When Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari was confirmed before the start of the season, it was dramatic and surprising, but it also felt very logical.
Mercedes continued to flounder and Ferrari emerged as the closest competitors to Red Bull with a pair of victories to their famous name.
Have Mercedes leapfrogged Ferrari?
Before the Canadian Grand Prix, Mercedes had not come close to outscoring Ferrari.
They still trail their Italian rivals by 119 points in the standings, but that deficit has been reduced by 37 over the past two race weekends.
In Montreal, Mercedes brought upgrades which fired them into contention, having not finished above P5 in 2024 before the event.
After pole’s in Hungary in the previous two seasons, Mercedes then fell away, but this time, they are backing up P1 in qualifying with strong race pace.
Consecutive P3-P4 finishes in Canada and Spain and suddenly the confidence that they are finally on the correct upgrade path means Mercedes continue to diminish Ferrari’s advantage.
Ferrari’s own dip in form has helped Mercedes, of course.
A double DNF in Canada for the team was followed up by a measly P5 and P6 at the Spanish Grand Prix, with team-mates Charles Leclerc and Sainz involved in an off-track spat after the race after some heated moments on it.
Mercedes’ ominous track record Both Mercedes and Ferrari will, barring a disastrous winter, score podiums in 2025.
But, Hamilton, a seven-time world champion, is in the hunt for more than that.
